Parliamentarians, publishers, authors, academics and other creative‑industry figures attended the Publishers Association’s Annual Reception in Parliament on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
Speakers included Joanna Prior OBE, CEO of Pan Macmillan and Chair of the National Literacy Trust, who said the National Year of Reading was already showing impact across community groups, charities, schools, libraries and sports clubs.
Prior urged attendees to build on that momentum, stating: “Now is the time to build on the momentum created during the National Year of Reading… we need to build a lasting legacy for the year – a National Decade of Reading – and to do so, all of us in this room today need to work together.”
Presenters highlighted two pressing challenges: the use of authors’ and illustrators’ works by tech giants to train AI models without payment, permission or transparency, and the vital role of school libraries – especially dedicated librarians – in fostering children’s love of reading.
Illustrator Axel Scheffler demonstrated the AI issue by drawing a Gruffalo in lederhosen after an AI prompt generated such an image, arguing that greater transparency and protection are needed for illustrators as well as authors.
Dame Julia Donaldson, the UK’s bestselling author and illustrator, echoed the call for strong school libraries, adding, “It would be wonderful if every school had a librarian.”
Dan Conway, CEO of the Publishers Association, said the reception was a “special moment” to thank MPs and peers for supporting the industry, noting the event also marked the Association’s 130‑year anniversary.